Soldiers in Benin announced the dissolution of the government on state TV, declaring President Patrice Talon removed from office and appointing Lt. Col. Pascal Tigri as head of the Military Committee for Refoundation.

Benin is experiencing an apparent military coup attempt, with a group of soldiers announcing on state television that they have dissolved the government and removed President Patrice Talon from power in what could become West Africa’s latest unconstitutional takeover. The situation remains fluid, as government officials say loyalist forces are trying to thwart the putsch and restore control.

What has happened in Benin?

On Sunday, a group of Beninese soldiers appeared on state TV, declared that all state institutions were dissolved, and said President Patrice Talon had been removed from office. The officers said they were acting under a body calling itself the “Military Committee for Refoundation” and announced that Lt. Col. Pascal Tigri would lead this new ruling council.bbc+3​

The soldiers also proclaimed the suspension of the constitution and the closure of Benin’s land, sea, and air borders, effectively isolating the country while they claimed to take control. Gunfire was reported near the presidential residence, underscoring the seriousness of the challenge to the government.

Is it a full coup or an attempt?

Benin’s government is describing events as a coup attempt rather than a completed takeover, saying loyal security forces are working to foil the plot and that the situation is “under control.” Reports indicate a standoff between the mutinous soldiers who made the TV announcement and units still aligned with President Talon, meaning the balance of power is not yet settled.

Foreign missions and observers are treating the situation as rapidly evolving, with no clear confirmation that the military committee truly controls key institutions like the presidency, army command, and security services. This ambiguity is why some outlets describe it as an “apparent coup” or “coup attempt” rather than a finalized regime change.

Why this shocks West Africa

If successful, this would be the latest in a string of coups in West and Central Africa since 2020, adding Benin to a list that already includes Mali, Burkina Faso, Niger, Guinea, and others. Benin had long been viewed as relatively stable and democratic compared with some neighbors, so a putsch there undermines hopes that the wave of military takeovers was slowing.

Regional bodies like ECOWAS and the African Union have repeatedly condemned coups and threatened sanctions in similar cases, and they are now under pressure to respond firmly to events in Benin as well. Another successful coup in the region could further weaken civilian rule, complicate security cooperation, and discourage investment across West Africa.

Key figures and justifications

President Patrice Talon, in power since 2016, has faced criticism from opponents over political reforms that they say narrowed democratic space and consolidated authority. The soldiers cite dissatisfaction with Talon’s governance as the justification for trying to seize power under the banner of “refoundation.”

Lt. Col. Pascal Tigri has been presented by the mutinous troops as the head of the Military Committee for Refoundation, effectively positioning him as the transitional leader if their move succeeds. However, his actual command over the broader armed forces is not fully clear, which will be crucial in determining whether the coup attempt holds or collapses.